I thought I'd share my friends build from the very start for you all.
 
He is a vocalist/guitarist and a club owner that his band plays at when he wants.
They are a true southern rock/country band.
 
His desire is a Tele with Tele bridge pup and neck humbucker with a coil splitter.
Mahogany body, Spalted Maple top, birdseye fretboard.
He doesn't know yet but I've located and hope to receive some birdseye lumber for the neck.
My preference is a Mahogany and Maple laminated neck but it's a decision he must make. I need to have
all the wood on hand for him to select from.
 
Planning the build and choosing material is just great fun. One may save regrets by having
a pretty solid idea.
There are choices made that will determine construction so "mid-stream" changes can be costly.
So with that- one may ask, "why a birdseye fretboard if the neck is birdseye too?"...after all, one could
build that as one piece. My reasoning for this build is that I don't want to install the truss-rod from the
back of neck that would also require the "skunk-stripe" filler. I want it to have a double-action rod too.
Since it will be a set-neck should it acquire backbow all isn't lost.
 
I had some bookmatched spalted Maple and that was his choice after picking through many select choices of various woods.
I ordered and received the African Mahogany that he has yet to see and approve. It is very light and just a wonderful
block. Two very small knots and the layout placement seen in the photo avoids both.
 
So, I jointed the edges, glued and sanded the bookmatch pieces together and traced layout so he could approve. It was
his choice that the spalt be at the butt end.
 
I hand cut the fret slots- 25.5" scale length. I hope nothing happens to the wood- it's not thick enough to workout any damage and if it gets a dent...replace is only option.
 
After his approval I will continue. Confirmation on pups and controls will have to be confirmed before continueing.
Until then...I don't plan on improving my photography skills so hope these do. :)
 

 
 
 

Loving it Mike

Another superb guitar in the making.

Love Mahogany, my preference for body and neck. 

I learned something on my last build....by accident...

I mentioned I worked on the neck numerous times after I had oiled it.

After removing the finish and carving/sanding I applied a very thin coat of oil.
After it set I applied something I've never used...Tru-Oil Wax. Of course I worked
so many times on the neck I got good at it LOL.
I can tell you it is without any doubt the best finish for a neck I've ever played.
One very thin coat of Tru-Oil and one coat of Tru-Oil Wax. Perfection.
The coat of oil can be very lightly rubbed with furniture grade steel wool to even out and/or remove
any critters if needed.
( any players of my builds can lightly buff with steelwool and apply the wax...highly recommend.)
Easy to get at Amazon and not expensive.
Well that's my good deed for the day LOL.

"Got wood?"

Yes.  Yes, he does. 

This is going to be an exciting thread to follow, what a beautiful piece of maple to start with.

I recently did a walnut stock refinish on an over and under using Tru Oil and it turned out real well.  As you have mention, it seems to be real easy to touch up a little spot as needed too.

 Looks like the fun has just begun.

Patience is the key to an oil finish...that and applying very, very thin coats and curing time. Well that's what it seems
to me anyway.

I don't think he'll change his mind about the humbucker so I'm gearing up to wind my first one.
I've read that many use carpet tape to hold the bobbins in place but I decided to use what you see.
There is a little slack in the mounting so I give it a test spin and watch it to assure it's centered and then snug her down.
For CCW coils I can remove it from this side and bolt it to the other side. Easy enough.
I don't know what he expects yet so color, covers or not, output...all on hold- but the winding part is ready.
I think Gibson used some clear bobbins in the 80's...wish somebody had some old, broke ones they did want...

Cool to hear it that was Star!
I don't think I've posted a build from the very beginning. I knew there would be stuff I've never mentioned and
I think I've already covered a couple. ( glueing thin pieces together for the top plate is a tuff task in itself...one learns
tricks that work for them...you may imagine all the things that it wants to do when pressure is applied and if ya can't LOL it will
show you)

  I am impressed Spacey.....if you get the time can you work on a free energy solution? I think you might just be the man to make that work.

Starise


  I am impressed Spacey.....if you get the time can you work on a free energy solution? I think you might just be the man to make that work.

You came to the right place Star!....heat is energy and the sun is free. I couldn't believe Hanks had
to rub sticks for fire in Castaway. He had lenses. I thought every kid cooked ants with the bottom of a
bottle...maybe not.